TO ADVERTISE IN THiNKLOCAL MAGAZINE CALL LORRAINE ON 07702 933381

United Reformed Church, High Street

St. Neots

Saturday 19th November

10am – 2pm

To book a table contact

Paul Botha by email paulsbotha@hotmail.com

or phone 07754 478918

ST. NEOTSTOWN COUNCIL YOUR LOCAL COUNCIL NEWSLETTER

NOVEMBER 2016

Inside this issue.................· COMMUNITY AND BUSINESS AWARDS WINNERS 2016· CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK: ST NEOTS TOWN COUNCILFOLLOW US ON TWITTER: @stneotscouncil

TO ADVERTISE IN THiNKLOCAL MAGAZINE CALL LORRAINE ON 07702 933381

St Neots Xmas Lights Switch 2015 Forthcoming Council Meetings Forthcoming Council Meetings

Which Council to contactCouncil Offices, The Priory, St Neots, PE19 2BH tel: 01480 388911 fax: 01480 388915 email: mail@stneots-tc.gov.uk web: www.stneots-tc.gov.uk

Please note all meetings commence at 7.15pm and take place in The Priory Centre, The Priory, St Neots, PE19 2BH unless stated otherwise. Meetings are open to the public and agendas allow time for representation and questions from the public.

Agendas can be viewed on the town council website or a copy obtained by calling 01480 388911.

Contact St Neots Town Council for: Churchyards, Cemeteries, Priory and Eaton Community Centres, Play Areas, Village Greens, Cemetery Road and Hardwick Road Allotments, Grant Aid, Farmers Market, Christmas Lights.

Pathfinder House, St Marys Street, Huntingdon, PE29 3TN. tel: 01480 388388 web: www.huntsdc.gov.uk

Contact Huntingdon District Council for: Council Tax, Housing Benefits, Grass Cutting, Weekly Refuse Collection, Priory and Riverside Parks, Public Car Parks.

Shire Hall, Castle Hill, Cambridge, CB3 0AP. tel: 0345 045 5200 web: www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk

Contact Cambridgeshire County Council for: Street Lighting, Social Services, Road and Pavement Repairs, Waste Recycling Centres, Libraries, Leisure Centres, Buses and Cycling, Education, Births, Deaths and Marriages.

DATE MEETING Tuesday 1 November Promotion and Events Thursday 3 November Planning Tuesday 8 November Development and Transport Thursday 10 November Operations Tuesday 15 November Finance Thursday 17 November Planning Tuesday 29 November Full Council

45TO ADVERTISE IN THiNKLOCAL MAGAZINE CALL LORRAINE ON 07702 933381

St Neots Xmas Lights Switch 2015 Forthcoming Council Meetings

Which Council to contact

Please note all meetings commence at 7.15pm and take place in The Priory Centre, The Priory, St Neots, PE19 2BH unless stated otherwise. Meetings are open to the public and agendas allow time for representation and questions from the public.

Agendas can be viewed on the town council website or a copy obtained by calling 01480 388911.

Contact St Neots Town Council for: Churchyards, Cemeteries, Priory and Eaton Community Centres, Play Areas, Village Greens, Cemetery Road and Hardwick Road Allotments, Grant Aid, Farmers Market, Christmas Lights.

Pathfinder House, St Marys Street, Huntingdon, PE29 3TN. tel: 01480 388388 web: www.huntsdc.gov.uk

Contact Huntingdon District Council for: Council Tax, Housing Benefits, Grass Cutting, Weekly Refuse Collection, Priory and Riverside Parks, Public Car Parks.

Shire Hall, Castle Hill, Cambridge, CB3 0AP. tel: 0345 045 5200 web: www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk

Contact Cambridgeshire County Council for: Street Lighting, Social Services, Road and Pavement Repairs, Waste Recycling Centres, Libraries, Leisure Centres, Buses and Cycling, Education, Births, Deaths and Marriages.

Upcoming Events

St Neots Town Council put on a number of events throughout the year, full details of which are posted on our websites, (www.stneots-tc.gov.uk), social media, town

noticeboards and this newsletter.

CIVIC EVENTS TOWN EVENTS2016 2016

Sun 5 Nov Mayor’s Charity Race Night Sat 12 Nov Farmers Market 8am - 1pmSun 13 Nov Polish Remembrance Service Sat 26 Nov Farmers Market 8am - 1pmSat 3 Dec Mayor’s Carol Concert Sun 27 Nov Christmas Light Switch On

*2017

27 Nov - 31 Dec

Elf On The Shelf Town Trail*

Sat 28 Jan Mayor’s Coffee Morning December** Late Night Shopping

Mon 13 Mar Commonwealth Flag Raising *Further details available on www.stneots-tc.gov.uk ** Dates to be announced in next month’s issue

Sat 25 Mar Mayor’s Charity Ball

46 PLEASE MENTION THiNKLOCAL MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS

September Civic Engagements and Events

Cafe Nauro Launch - a short, but thoroughlyenjoyable visit to this much needed and verymuch appreciated facility. “Lovely to see thiscoming to fruition with various charities allworking together to provide this vital supportfacility” said Town Mayor

MacMillan Coffee Morning at St Mary’s EatonSocon - “such a shame we missed all the buns”said Mayoress Sandie Giles. Town Mayor added“We are pleased to pop in and support this veryworth while cause” at our own church.

The Mayor attended Rushden Civic Service byhimself, “I was very pleased to represent ourtown, and managed to get my ‘passport stamped’at the county border!”

High Sheriffs Service held at PeterboroughCathedral: “As the Mayoress was unable to attendI had to dress myself in the robes” said Mayor CllrDerek Giles.

Mayor’s Blog

Home Start AGM - Both the Mayor and Mayoress were pleased to be able to attend and learn more about thewonderful supportive work being done by the organisation and their many volunteers.

October Civic Engagements and Events

Round Table Gin Festival - the Mayoress and Mayor were delighted to be invited to attend, “a positivepleasure to be able to sample and then purchase such a wide variety of excellent gins” said Cllr Giles.

St Neots Community & Business Awards - a great event for the town attended by over 100 people. “It hadbeen an extremely difficult job to select the winners for the various categories, and it was very encouragingto have received over 80 entries”. Mayoress, Cllr Sandie Giles added “wonderful to see all the good workbeing done by so many people in our town acknowledged by these town awards. Well done to everybodyinvolved.2

Godmanchester Civic Sunday Service - The Mayor & Mayoress were accompanied by their granddaughter Isla.All enjoyed the service and the exhibition which was on display at the end.

Sandy Masai Warriers Concert - Both the Mayor and Mayoress loved the concert and it was marvellous to seethe enthusiasm and energy which the performers displayed. A wonderful way for them to raise much neededfunds to provide their villages back in Kenya with essential things like a school, a clinic and a bore hole forclean water,” said the Town Mayor.

Speakability Tea Party - held at the Medway Centre in Huntingdon both the Mayor & Mayoress along withother members of “chain gang” went along to support them and the work they do. “We learned so muchabout their work, and it has helped us to know how to help a dear friend of ours who has lost a large part ofhis speaking ability” said Derek & Sandie.

Nelson Lodge Eaton Socon Topping Out Ceremony - “I am glad we didn’t have to climb a ladder but hadproper scaffolding stairs said Mayoress “Sandie Giles when the topping out ceremony was performed byhusband, Town Mayor Derek Giles. “We were very impressed with the tour of the building, and with allthe facilities which will be in place and available when the Lodge opens next spring” commented Derek.

Town Mayor, Cllr Derek Giles pictured herewith the Mayor of Peterborough

St NeotsChristmas Lights

Switch On

Sunday 27 November 201612.00pm - 6.00pm

Market Square

Christmas Gift & Food MarketMulled Wine & Cider

Live Stage PerformancesSanta’s GrottoStar for a StarStreet Magic

Children’s EntertainmentFunfair

LIGHTS SWITCH ON AT 5PMfollowed by

GRAND FIREWORK FINALE

September Civic Engagements and Events

Cafe Nauro Launch - a short, but thoroughlyenjoyable visit to this much needed and verymuch appreciated facility. “Lovely to see thiscoming to fruition with various charities allworking together to provide this vital supportfacility” said Town Mayor

MacMillan Coffee Morning at St Mary’s EatonSocon - “such a shame we missed all the buns”said Mayoress Sandie Giles. Town Mayor added“We are pleased to pop in and support this veryworth while cause” at our own church.

The Mayor attended Rushden Civic Service byhimself, “I was very pleased to represent ourtown, and managed to get my ‘passport stamped’at the county border!”

High Sheriffs Service held at PeterboroughCathedral: “As the Mayoress was unable to attendI had to dress myself in the robes” said Mayor CllrDerek Giles.

Mayor’s Blog

Home Start AGM - Both the Mayor and Mayoress were pleased to be able to attend and learn more about thewonderful supportive work being done by the organisation and their many volunteers.

October Civic Engagements and Events

Round Table Gin Festival - the Mayoress and Mayor were delighted to be invited to attend, “a positivepleasure to be able to sample and then purchase such a wide variety of excellent gins” said Cllr Giles.

St Neots Community & Business Awards - a great event for the town attended by over 100 people. “It hadbeen an extremely difficult job to select the winners for the various categories, and it was very encouragingto have received over 80 entries”. Mayoress, Cllr Sandie Giles added “wonderful to see all the good workbeing done by so many people in our town acknowledged by these town awards. Well done to everybodyinvolved.2

Godmanchester Civic Sunday Service - The Mayor & Mayoress were accompanied by their granddaughter Isla.All enjoyed the service and the exhibition which was on display at the end.

Sandy Masai Warriers Concert - Both the Mayor and Mayoress loved the concert and it was marvellous to seethe enthusiasm and energy which the performers displayed. A wonderful way for them to raise much neededfunds to provide their villages back in Kenya with essential things like a school, a clinic and a bore hole forclean water,” said the Town Mayor.

Speakability Tea Party - held at the Medway Centre in Huntingdon both the Mayor & Mayoress along withother members of “chain gang” went along to support them and the work they do. “We learned so muchabout their work, and it has helped us to know how to help a dear friend of ours who has lost a large part ofhis speaking ability” said Derek & Sandie.

Nelson Lodge Eaton Socon Topping Out Ceremony - “I am glad we didn’t have to climb a ladder but hadproper scaffolding stairs said Mayoress “Sandie Giles when the topping out ceremony was performed byhusband, Town Mayor Derek Giles. “We were very impressed with the tour of the building, and with allthe facilities which will be in place and available when the Lodge opens next spring” commented Derek.

Town Mayor, Cllr Derek Giles pictured herewith the Mayor of Peterborough

St NeotsChristmas Lights

Switch On

Sunday 27 November 201612.00pm - 6.00pm

Market Square

Christmas Gift & Food MarketMulled Wine & Cider

Live Stage PerformancesSanta’s GrottoStar for a StarStreet Magic

Children’s EntertainmentFunfair

LIGHTS SWITCH ON AT 5PMfollowed by

GRAND FIREWORK FINALE

Community and Business Awards Winners 2016The winners of the second St Neots Community & Business Awards were announced on Saturday 8th October, recognising the achievements ofindividuals, community groups and businesses within the town.

Over 100 guests attended the gala dinner ceremony at The Priory Centre, hosted by Ernie Almond from Black Cat Radio and Alissa King-Underwood, the current Miss Cambridgeshire.

Person of the Year, sponsored by Giggs and Co, was awarded to Ross Williams-Gick, Community Champion at Tesco St Neots. Ross was recognised for his community and charity focussed commitments across the town. Ross organised a Family Fun Day this summer, which was attended by thousands and raised £6000 for charity.

Robert Usher, Lawn in Order gardening maintenance services was also Highly Commended in this category for his recent act of generosity for an elderly couple who were deceived out of some money for gardening services. Robert offered to provide his service free of charge and gave the couple back their faith in human nature.

Young Person of the Year, sponsored by Rexroth Bosch Group was awarded to Joseph Sydes an inspiring young man who was last year diagnosed with cancer and fought against all the odds to recover. Despite undergoing intensive chemotherapy and being very ill he continued his school work in hospital and achieved very successful end of year results.

Sean Best was also highly commended in this category for his care and bravery as a young carer for his little sister Mya-Louise, who sadly passed away earlier this year. Matt Giggs, owner and Managing Director of Giggs and Co was so inspired by Sean’s story he heard on the night, he pledged a donation of £1000 to help Sean start Mya’s Trust – the charity that the 13 year old wants to set up in memory of his sister.

Charity/Community Group of the year, sponsored by The Co-operative funeralcare was awarded to Switch Now CIC. A new initiative helping young adults with learning difficulties by providing supported training and work experience to develop employability skills. A key project is a community café staffed by the young adults who benefit from this group. The group also works to help break down the stigma associated with disabled people.

The team behind the St Neots Fire Engine Pull, Dave Webster and Steve Wills, were also Highly Commended in this category. The annual event is well known across the town and has already raised in excess of £140,000; funding camps for Young Burns Survivors up to the age of 19.

Teacher of the Year, sponsored by Bosch Rexroth Group was awarded to Reg Searle, Musical Director of St Neots Orchestra and Choral Society. Starting the society over 35 years ago, Reg was acknowledged for his ongoing commitment to planning the programmes, rehearsing with the group weekly and continually encouraging young talent.

Business of the Year, jointly sponsored by Beacon Wealth Man-agement and Jeffrey Mills Solicitors was awarded to Peppercorns Academy in recognition of their long established community focussed tuition. A family business founded in the early 1980’s, the team was specifically put forward for their caring approach and the excellent example they set as role models for their students. The business was also recognised and thanked for their ongoing contribution to performing at local community initiatives.

Katy North Academy of Dance & Cheer was also highly commended in this category – having been nominated in light of their local charity support and the provision of lessons for anyone aged four and up, regardless of ability and disability. The academy has also launched the first local wheelchair dance class for children and adults.

Employer of the Year, sponsored by Huntingdonshire Regional College was awarded to the local Chartered Surveying and Planning practice Barfords + Co. With a 40 year history, Barfords + Co continueto demonstrate an exemplary commitment to the professional and personal development of their employees - investing in staff to achieve professional qualifications as well as supporting employees in college courses through distance learning.

Sports Team/Club of the Year, sponsored by Goldstraw Goldsmiths was awarded to New Saints Boxing Club. The not for profit family run business has worked tirelessly to get the club off the ground in their spare time. The club has gone from strength to strength, encouraging children and adults of all ages and abilities to take up their sport. Working in partnership with Cambridgeshire Police they have also set a class dedicated to young people who have been involved with anti-social behaviour.

The St Neots Dragon Boat Team was highly commended in this category in recognition for their achievement over the past year with group members representing Team GB in the European Championships, the club hosting league events as well as co-organising the St Neots Charity Dragon Boat festival; providing free training to all crews who took part.

Sports Person of the Year category, sponsored by Barretts of St Neots was awarded to Scott Thomas. Despite a difficult medical history, Scott was driven to achieve sporting success – initially as a swimmer and a runner and now as an elite triathlete. Alongside this he coaches younger swimmers, inspiring them to reach the best of their ability.

Kevin Bullus from New Saints Boxing Club was also highly commended in this category in recognition of his complete dedicationto coach children and adults in six of his seven evenings each week.

50 PLEASE MENTION THiNKLOCAL MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTS

EATON FORD WARD

Cllr B Farrer - 151a Crosshall Road, Eaton Ford, PE19 7GB - bob@smithfarrerholdingsltd.co.uk - 01480 404014/07710 335848

Cllr D Giles - 6 Stratford Place, Eaton Socon, PE19 8HJ - derek.giles@hotmail.co.uk - 01480 731321

Cllr K Prentice - 2 Ushers Court, Eaton Socon, St Neots, PE19 8EL - cllrkeithprentice@gmail.com - 01480 214838/07834 391995

EATON SOCON WARD

Cllr B Banks - 2 Wheatsheaf Road, Eaton Socon, PE19 8HE - cllr.banks@gmail.com - 07710 209950

Cllr R Harrison - 55 Bushmead Road, Eaton Socon, PE19 8GQ - harrison.roger@outlook.com - 07717 666238

Cllr C Maslen - 9 Byng Close, Eaton Socon, PE19 8PS - 07810 481941

EYNESBURY WARDCllr Mrs D Collins - Bungalow 3, Montague Court Eynesbury, PE19 2TJ - 01480 395056/07948 796260

Cllr J Corley - 12 Glenariff Close, Eynesbury, PE19 2QW - 01480 404184/07578 606541

Cllr A Hansard - 78 Potton Road, Eynesbury, PE19 2NN - andrew.hansard@gmail.com - 01480 716615

Cllr Mrs S Taylor - 19 Ireton Close, Eynesbury, PE19 2JE - simone45taylor@yahoo.com - 07858 032076

Cllr K Wainwright - 8 Berkley Street, Eynesbury, PE19 2ND - karl.wainwright@btopenworld.com - 01480 406373

Cllr D Wells - 14 Dixy Close, Loves Farm, PE19 6BA - davidjwells@hotmail.co.uk - 014809 211629

ST NEOTS EAST WARD

PRIORY PARK WARDCllr B Chapman - 6 Kipling Place, Eaton Ford, PE19 7RG - barry.chapman@live.co.uk - 01480 212540/07803 134565

Cllr J Dunford - 27 Kings Road, PE19 1LD - jae.dunford@yahoo.com - 07790 897819

Cllr Mrs D Johnson - 31 Hawkesford Way, PE19 1LR - delphjl@aol.com - 07792 320965

Cllr Mrs J Smith - 44 Hawthorn Road, PE19 1EY - 07745 380112

Council Offices, The Priory, St Neots, PE19 2BH Tel: 01480 388911

Fax: 01480 388915 email: mail@stneots-tc.gov.uk web: www.stneots-tc.gov.uk

St Neots Ward Councillors

Follow us on Twitter: @stneotscouncil Like us Facebook: St Neots Town Council

www.visitstneots.co.uk

Cllr B Hicks - 54 Queens Gardens, Eaton Socon, PE19 8DN- bensgbiz1@aol.com - 01480 700463/07528 227964

Cllr J Cooper-Marsh - 2 Pearson Close, Eynesbury, PE19 2NN - cllr.coopermarsch@gmail.com - 07990 581226

Cllr G Thorpe - 5 Milton Avenue, Eaton Ford, St Neots, PE19 7LH - sntc.cllr.thorpe@gmail.com - 07956 878780

Cllr C Bober - 28 Silverweed, Eaton Ford, St Neots, PE19 7GZ - charlesbober@virginmedial.com - 07948 706958

Cllr A Usher - Dentonby, 21 Luke Street, Eynesbury, PE19 2TW - adrian.usher@ntlworld.com - 01480 391321/07931 531245

CHRISTMAS AT DAYS OF BUCKDEN

Your Local Traditional Butchers and Grocers

28a High Street, Buckden, PE19 5XA

Tel 01480 810272

Orders NOW being taken for all your festive meats and groceries.

Free Range Turkeys from Salix Farms plus all your other Christmas meats.

Hams, Cheeses, Sausages, Pork Pies, Vegetables, Salads, Fresh Bread & much more

VISIT US FOR ALL YOUR CHRISTMAS REQUIREMENTS & ADVICE